Job Description

Graduate Research Assistant (PhD) – Soil Science
Location: Virginia Tech, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Blacksburg, VA.
Start Date: Summer/Fall 2026
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated graduate student (PhD) to join our research team focused on
advancing knowledge in soil science, with an emphasis on soil health, nutrient cycling, and
regenerative agricultural practices. The successful candidate will work towards projects
investigating the effects of organic products such as biochar, compost, biosolids and evaluate
their effects in soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, their interactions with crop
systems, GHG emissions, emerging contaminants, and management strategies for improving
resilience of agroecosystems to changing environmental conditions.
Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research and develop dissertation ideas on soil
  processes, including nutrient dynamics, organic matter decomposition, GHG emissions, and
  emerging contaminants.
• Design and implement field and laboratory experiments, including soil sampling, analysis,
  and data interpretation.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, chromatography) and modeling
  tools to assess soil properties and predict outcomes.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Assist in mentoring undergraduate students and contribute to outreach activities related to
  soil health and sustainable agriculture.
  Required Skills and Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in soil chemistry, physics, and microbiology; familiarity with sustainable
  agriculture practices and soil health indicators; proficiency in laboratory techniques for soil
  health analyses; experience with statistical analysis (using R and other appropriate software)
  and data modeling.
• Ability to design experiments, manage data, and synthesize findings into actionable insights.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for scientific reporting and presentations at
  formal and informal meetings. Preferred: Manuscripts under review to show case writing
  skills.
• Highly self-motivated, ethical, detail-oriented, and capable of working both independently
  and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Should be able to maintain work life balance.
  Interested candidates should submit their CV, unofficial transcripts and statement of research
  interests to Dr. Vijay Chaganti (vjchaganti@vt.edu). Review of applications will begin
  immediately and will continue until the position is filled.